VTV

LGBT+ Travel Expert Ivan!

• VACAYA • Season 1 • Episode 3

Share episode

SEASON 1 | EP 3

On Episode 3 of VTV, we sit down with seasoned travel expert Ivan Quintanilla, whose adventures with VACAYA span all the way back to our inaugural cruise! 🛳️ Ivan has written for top-tier publications like Out Magazine and EDGE Media, sharing his expertise and passion for exploring the world. In this episode, Ivan gives us the inside scoop on his most memorable VACAYA trips, offers travel tips, and dishes on his favorite destinations. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore, you won't want to miss this conversation!

Follow our Guest: @travelingIq 

To follow and watch the podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@VACAYA

To check out all of VACAYA’s upcoming trips click here:
https://www.myvacaya.com/

Listen to the audio version:

  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vtv/id1772763062
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ph4HbdSnmXBFspAlPSoag?si=-vQnkJv4TuqawBGxJGn7Uw

Follow VACAYA:

Follow Trevor:

Hi, I'm Kevin Poodle DeKimpe and I'm Trevor 99% Angel, 1% Devil Dow. And this is VTV, the definitive podcast for all things LGBTQ focused, where we explore the intersection of queer travel, pop culture, and the progressive perspectives of our community. Hi, Trevor. Oh. Hi, Kev. Fancy seeing you here. It's so fancy. You look fancy. You look fancy. I don't know if I've ever seen you in such a tight polo. It's, Yeah. Fitting. Literally and figuratively, I guess. What's been going on, What ya been up? Actually, I just got back from a trip. Was it a VACAYA trip or what kind of trip? It was a personal, fun trip with someone I actually met on a VACAYA cruise. No way. What VACAYA trip did you meet? It was a Norwegian cruise. Oh, yeah. Fjords? Yeah. That Norwegian fjords cruise incredible. It was incredible. It's magical. And one thing that helped make it even more magical was meeting this person nice. And I feel lucky that I got to extend the vacation in a way. And we decided last week we coordinated meeting in Rehoboth, which is this cute little gay beach town. Okay, so tell me about Rehoboth. Rehoboth has a P-Town vibe to it, And it has its own gay beach called Poodle Beach, and it has like a couple of gay clubs and bars and restaurants. So me and him got to explore this together, and it was reminiscent of how we met. And it was, oh, that's a special time. I also just got back from a gay travel experience. Where was that? I went to one of the Channel Islands, Santa Rosa, and it was sweet. It was kind of my group of friends. There was 24 of us, and we had rented out all of the campsites on this island. And so it was just our community getting to hike and swim and explore. It was very sweet. It it was kind of like, what I get out of, of a VACAYA trip, but with like the people that I have in my inner circle. Yeah, in my immediate circle. So it was very, very sweet. It's funny, I feel like throughout the summer we've gotten to travel so much, especially with the summer tour, and we ain't letting up. We don't want it to stop. No where do you want to go to next? Next? I want to go to Ivan's interview. Ivan is an incredible travel writer and journalist. Ivan's been with VACAYA from the jump. Ivan was on the inaugural cruise our P-Town cruise, back in 2019, and has continued to get to travel with VACAYA throughout the years. So when we were in New York on her summer tour, Ivan was one of those quintessential people that I really wanted us to get the chance to kind of talk to and spend time with, because Ivan is so well-rounded when it comes to not just travel, but LGBTQ plus travel like it, it to me feels very different. Going on a trip with your family vs. going on a trip with your chosen family is just two very separate things. Yes, and he has a lot of experience and he has a lot. You know, he's a great writer. He's written for Edge Media as well as our magazine and many other publications. So we're lucky to have him. Yeah, it's so close to VACAYA’s Orbit. So let's jump into the interview, shall we? Here we go. We have a very, very special, very dear friend of VACAYA Ivan Quintanilla. Yes. Well done. Thank you. Thank you for having me. And we're in New York during New York Pride month. We're here during pride weekend. And you live here in New York. You were just telling us that you've been here for almost 20. I've been in New York City for 25 years, 25 years, which is so weird because I'm like 27, so. Right. Yeah. You're just saying, like, yeah. So I was a Gerber model and then brought me to New York, and then I just kind of stayed in the travel landscape. Do you feel like you have to kind of change a bit when you're doing travel, like outside of an all LGBT experience versus when you're like traveling solo or even when the two of you are traveling together? Yes. I mean, I think in general, like everybody in our community, you know, there's an awareness and there's a safety factor that you have to take into account. Yeah. I would be concerned about that in many places of the U.S. like if I travel to like the Deep South, I would be very aware of, like, just, you know, code switching or like, yeah, you know, not touching my partner in certain ways because I would be concerned about that. Yeah. And definitely when you're going to different cultures and different places, one thing that I want to make sure that I do is just be, be respectful of the culture as well. So though I am an out and proud gay man, I think it's important when you travel to and you're in somebody else's space, you're in you're in their home. So, what that means to different people is different things. So to me, it moderates my behavior in a way that I try to still be me, but being respectful with and within their world. Yeah. and also as, as a, as a tourist, we have extreme privilege. Like, yeah, there's so much that we can get away with that people in places that are not as LGBTQ friendly or whose laws are not as LGBTQ friendly cannot do that. And for the most part, people will leave us alone and they'll treat us kindly because we're tourists and they know all that. and so I think there's also an aspect of like a responsibility to the LGBTQ community there that you don't. I I'll speak for myself. I don't want to like, walk into a space and somehow, like out locals in a way that then I get to leave and they have to stay there. So deal with the potential repercussions. So I think it's important to just like, be yourself, but be aware of your surroundings and just be a little kinder than you think you need to be. Just be a little more aware than you think you need to be and and just take other people's situation in a little bit more. Because if you are in that kind of place, like it really isn't all about you, where other vacations can be all about you. And those are one more, you know, as well. So that goes into planning what kind of experience and trip you want. If you want that, then that's the kind of experience you should be going for versus if you're traveling with the intention of experiencing another culture, that culture, you know, and this was a good differentiation to me. Absolutely. And this whole idea of like, should gay people to go to non gay friendly places like that is a conversation that is worth having and that has happened and will continue to happen to me. It's a very individual thing like, yeah, if you don't want to do it then you shouldn't do it. If you don't want your money to go to that specific place for whatever reason or you don't feel comfortable moderating your behavior, then maybe it's not for you. Yeah. but, you know, there's a whole big world out there, and we do exist everywhere. And so there are LGBTQ people everywhere, even in places, where they're not pretending. Yeah, yeah, there's also some benefit to, like, you know, going to these places. But in those scenarios, like, I feel like you have to show up. Correct. You know, like, I feel like I want to help that community accept me more. and I don't think in a way, in a foreign culture, I do that by like, assaulting them with my personality. It's that's just that's a very personal thing for me. And other people may feel very differently. I'm sorry. Okay. Yeah. No, it's almost like you showed up. As in, like, I want to help. I want to be supportive of this culture that I'm visiting. And, as someone who's just like a guest, I. Yeah, I met, yeah. And I and I see it that way. Like, I am a guest in their home. You know, I was going to piggyback off of the just kind of the discussion of that you were saying about different experiences and what you're having. We know, Ivan, through VACAYA. And so what has been kind of a differentiation between when you do travel, by yourself or when you're with your partner or with other companies versus what the, VACAYA all LGBTQ plus community travel experience has been like just one of the most wonderful things about traveling with VACAYA is that you don't have to moderate your behavior when you're in that group, because you are with like minded people and you all do like full ship charters. Yeah, you know, you do, a full buyout of the resort. So everyone that you are around is on your team and is there to make sure that you have the best time ever. And that is one of the things that I find so valuable, because you don't have to be thinking like, am I acting funny? Am I touching my boyfriend in a wrong way. Like even in places that are LGBTQ friendly, like, you know, you can go to any resort in the US and potentially if you're like kissing your boyfriend at the pool the way any other couple would, would you're going to get funny looks. and that's one of the reasons why I love LGBTQ vacations and being on LGBTQ trips, because it's so nice to not worry about that. And it just free like that just frees you up to be yourself and enjoy yourself in a way that you can't fully do when you're kind of moderating your behavior. And also for those that are like single worry about doing the dance of like are they are you are they are, you know not like 199%. And this is something that I encounter sometimes. Sorry I got. Yeah. No, no because this is as a travel writer. You know, I travel to. Yeah places and many times when I speak to other tourism, to, you know, tourism boards or the PR people that, represent specific destinations. Many times there's an argument that is made that like, no, like there may not be gay bars, but like, we're all friendly, like, like people are welcome everywhere. And that's amazing. And yeah, and like a utopian society, I think that's a wonderful thing. That should be the overarching goal that everyone is. Well, that's that's wonderful. But as a gay man, sometimes you want to be able to know that, like, you know, respectfully, you can like, flirt with somebody and you're not going to be, you know, insulted, harassed or insult them or anything for that. And being on like a VACAYA vacation, for example, just takes all that worry out. And you can just like, actually meet people without that concern. And I think that's so valuable. I mean, even the concept of like our stoplight party or like, sorry. Yeah. Or it's the red light, green light, yellow light introduction. So those that don't know, on the first kind of big dance we have is a stoplight party where you wear red if you are happily taken or just not looking for anything yellow is you're curious, but, you know, ease into the conversation or ease into any sort of like play or action. And then green is you're open anything. Yeah. So yeah, that concept is is very much about what you are articulating. I'm going to present myself. Yeah. As open as I wish to in the beginning of this trip. And that kind of sets the bar for what you're looking for and what you could find. And. Yeah, and even in the space of, like, I can be flirtatious with this whole group or you can be more definitive about like what it is you're looking for. And also with the lanyards, you all on VACAYA, you do lanyards where they what kind of like, you know what you're. Yeah. You do like red, yellow green. Right? Yeah. Those. Yeah. same kind of thing. Like, you can be like, I'm a crazy whore and you wear green. You're like, I don't want anything to do with anybody kevin is wearing green today. Some. Yeah, but those are like. Like those are like some dingy green. Yeah. They are a little dingy. She's a dingy. Yeah. No I like you're not wrong. Yeah. So for those of you that don't know, Ivan is an incredible travel writer. and has traveled literally all over the world. I mean, not every single place, but, you know, I try to. You've left your mark in a lot of spots, left many marks in many spots. I'm sorry. Matthew. Yeah. He's aware. I'm sure. So I was in, the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia. Yeah, just like a few weeks ago. Whoa. Which, you know, it's such a, kind of a a bucket list item for so many people. And I just felt so fortunate to be able to go there and visit and and experience that. And it is as beautiful as you think it is. Like, it really is the water. It's so crystal clear. The last two nights I did get to stay in like one of those overwater bungalows, which apparently was sort of thought of in Tahiti. That was the original ones. Oh, nice. It was just such a joy to be there and be able to learn a little bit more about the islands of Tahiti, which are 118 islands, what? Many with their own culture and, you know, diverse in their own ways, but it's all part of French Polynesia. And it's it's interesting how like that the culture there has kind of continues to honor their own history. it's a place where gender fluidity had existed before, Western culture got there and kind of screwed it up. And so it's interesting how there how some people are kind of trying to get back to where they were before, screwed it up. Do you think there's like a, a way of, like, defining things between, like, our Western language of how we talk about maybe intersex or like transgender or like between how the native Tahiti people kind of like, experience that. Like, I feel like maybe there's a bridge there. It's completely different. And that was something that that I kind of realized on this trip. And I think for us, of course, you know, gender expression and sexual attraction are, are separate. But I think in Western culture we very much clump those together in some ways. And one thing that I that I found there, you know, and I'm, I can only speak to my experience the one week there and the people I spoke to is that those two are much more separated there than so one's kind of gender expression and transness or non-binary-ness. That's, for lack of a better term, fluidity, is I found it to be a lot less connected to sexuality there than. Right. I think is here in general. Oh, that's a good point. The distinction is we sexualize everything. We sexualize everything so much more here. So it makes sense that and not in a in a great way, but it makes sense that it it is innately just clumped together more and also historically and you know, here in, in the US, in North America, in every in most indigenous communities have had some version of like Two-spirit or a third gender, you know, whatever you want to call it and whatever they call it. So that was something that really was very much a part of Polynesian culture. and it continues to be part of the culture. But, at the same time, the islands have become very religious, very westernized religion. So there is a little bit of struggle between that. Yeah. Imagine that. Yeah. Western religion coming in and, and, can you believe it? Can you imagine, I mean, can you imagine the kind of did, French Polynesia, cruise Kevin was on that? Did you get to experience a lot of. I got to experience. Yes. There exactly what you were talking about. And it was so special because it was just like a non, non thing. It was just like people just exist and express themselves in this fluid ways. And it was accepted and beautiful and it was like, it's the way it should be. Or it felt like, something to strive for it. Like, yeah, we definitely we complicate things a little bit here. Yeah. I don't know that I ever thought about it this way, but in this in like our gay culture specifically, the way things have moved to like apps and all that stuff where people are so specific about, like, I'm into this, I'm not I'm not into this. Having just like three options red, yellow and green gives you an idea of how to encounter that person and how to interact with that person without it being 100% limiting. Yeah, because they're not saying, well, you can interpret whatever that means. And red, yellow and green mean different things to different people. so in some ways, like it invites conversation and it invites like getting to know what that means to the individual, which only helps fuel the experience of the trip, I think. Yes. And in a world where I mean in a world that has existed and it should always have been an important thing, consent is so important. Like, here's a way to identify how to approach a person or situation with making sure that kind of a certain already known level of consent is being recognized and respected. And I actually think that now that we're kind of talking about it, it's interesting that there are just more social settings and spaces that kind of adopt, not maybe that way of doing things, but some sort of thing that like if you were to go to a bar and just have a way to identify who's in a similar boat. Yeah, I guess it I guess for straight people, it used to be like, oh, im married. Yeah. And for gay people, you know, i have a cock ring, I'm married. this episode is sponsored by the concept of bears. How long have you identified as a bear? I think it was. I was about an hour old. Are you into big, hairy, huggable men? Welcome to the world of gay bears. Where the beards are thick, the cuddles are strong, but the appetite's huge. Whether you're a bear, cub or just an admirer, they are fur tastic, fun and no shaving required.What’s your favorite kind of cheesecake? Any cheesecake, Really? I don't think there’s a bad one. What's your favorite kind of cheesecake? Oh my gosh, turtle. Cheesecake. Oh, okay. And, if you had to hibernate for the winter, what food would you bring with you? Wow, Macaroni and cheese. Oh my God, it's macaroni and cheese. Bears are everything to me. And that's why every time I put honey in my tea, I think of that man. A bear in general. I love that. Like on VACAYA vacations people get to dress up in these ways. And, you know, gays love outfits. I'm I'm not so much of, like, a dresser, a costume queen. Believe it or not, I'm more surprising. I'm like a lazy costume queen. I want someone to, like, give me an outfit and be like, this would look amazing on you. And then I try it on and it looks amazing. Like you're kind of like. And then I'm like, yeah, then I'm a costume queen. But the work that goes into like, I'm not going to be beading my sure my, my, you know, you want to be a little. Yeah. Well I, I can relate to that in that I want to be a little practical. So like I love the idea of like, listen, I know I need to be caring these items. I need to have a way to do that as well as like if these are going to come off, if I have like a pants that have like my look underneath it, I want to know where I'm going to put these pants. Right. Anyways, maybe that's my, neuro spiciness coming out. well, you have Trevor for that. You can give Trevor your care. Trevor, can you hold on to these? I'm so sorry. I think I feel like it's the other way. Yeah, man. Yeah, well, you're always, like, running around in almost no clothes and, like that Lacey Pantys. Yeah. Yes. Yeah, well, I do love a side bag because that you can put stuff in, but I do love a costume. And I feel like most of the time I feel like Kevin, I'll be like, what do you think of this idea? And then I'll worry about the execution. And then you're pretty good at playing along, and usually we're on the same wavelength. Yeah, but i love a costume, of course, you do. Yeah, you're one of those. I know, but what I do love about the VACAYA vacations that I've been on is that it's like it's a range like some of these, some of these queens go all out. I mean, like, like six suitcases in one suitcase just has one costume. And, like, the way Mariah Carey goes on a weekend trip like, that's what these queens bring on the back, like, it's like trunks. And then there are people who, like, are not into it at all. Yeah. Just great. Fine. Yes. And then there's like, people like me who are somewhere in the middle here, like before the cruise, I'll, you know, a few weeks before I'll look at all the things and then I'll buy like a t shirt that fits every theme or like a little like, you know, a little mini outfit. Yeah, that's kind of how I do it, but that's where it's like there's space kind of for everyone. And also I feel like for the most part that I always say, and this is great advice, Randall gave it to me. You choose three dances or three events where you're like, okay, this is where I'm going to like, really enjoy my costume. And then the other ones, you can kind of like coast and ease through it, right? And so it takes off the pressure of being like, okay, there's potentially been 7 or 8 dances or something that I need costumes for. But what I found is the people that don't necessarily dress up enjoy watching the parade of chaos and costumes and extravagance because it's an immersive experience for the. If you haven't seen, we have, the themes decorated on wherever the party is. So it's like between that and people showing up in the looks, it's like you are in a world of our own creation. Yeah. Also, one thing that's great about being like on a cruise ship is that you can like, if you want to do it up, you can do it up and you can wear your angel wings and you can do whatever you want. And then it like an hour into the party, you're like, my back hurts. Yeah. And these angel wings, you just walk five minutes into your state room, drop that shit off. And. Sorry, I dropped that stuff off and, you know, put on a Speedo and walk right out. That's such a good point. And I really lot. Just as much. Yeah. You can't go wrong. Much like, a headliner on this last week, VACAYA Cruise might have sung. You can paint with all the colors of the wind. Yes, absolutely. Sorry, Vanessa Williams. And as I said, don't sue us for using that. We love it, you know. Well, also like it's not it's not even a something you have to pull on as far as like a relationship that you are meeting with somebody like you can just run into people, especially smaller ship cruises. You'll you'll experience things with them. Ambiently like you'll you'll be on in the dining room. You'll be at a show. So if you'll see them be like, oh, what do you think of that excursion? Yes. And like I saw you doing that. How was that? So it's like it's not even like forcing it is the most genuine way I feel like to establish a relationship in my opinion, because it's just like you see other people living their best lives. Yeah. And then you comment on it and like, what's easier than that? And you want to partake in it. Yeah. And it motivates you. And a trip like that, like it brings people from such diverse worlds, you know, from everywhere in the country, everywhere in the world. you know, gay men, lesbians, bisexual people, trans people, like every aspect of our community is represented on of VACAYA cruise, for example. And so though we all come from different worlds, somehow being on the cruise together and going on these excursions together and then being at the same dance parties together and then being at the pool together, it gives us a shared language that we can all share and talk about our experiences. Even though we come in with very diverse experiences, like we are all sharing this really unique thing together. Yeah. You know, have you noticed, kind of touching on the diversity aspect of what VACAYA kind of, you know, the, the overarching goal is to truly be the most inclusive space for people of the LGBTQ plus community to travel with. You are on the inaugural cruise in 2019, and you've traveled with VACAYA since then. Have you noticed a trajectory in that kind of atmosphere and any changes or any specific events or moments that stuck out to you that feel very inclusive or feel welcoming to more than just, you know, the typical game male dominated space? Yeah, so, so many and so much. And I remember when the inaugural cruise happened that, you know, the leading up to it, VACAYA’s mission. It was always to, to kind of incorporate the space that every person in the community and our allies can be patient together. And it's been actually pretty cool to to kind of witness that over the years because like, if you build it, they will come. And was that fully there realized at the very, very first inaugural cruise? No, but the mission was there. And I I've been involved and been on enough trips of VACAYA, and I've seen how it's not only like the mission on paper. they have backed it up in, in such a way and they, they create spaces for anyone and everyone to be in. Like, they create spaces that are specifically for women. They create spaces for trans and non-binary, guests and by allowing those spaces to exist, like people will fill them. And it it is a process. Yeah. It just takes time. It takes time. And also, you know, different people have different ideas of what their vacations, are. But I feel like VACAYA does a really good job at not only creating these spaces when you're on the trip, but they really put their, their, their effort and money, for lack of a better term, behind trying to make that happen. Like it doesn't. That doesn't just happen. You don't just say, oh, we want everyone here, and then everyone shows up. Like the kind of outreach that they do is it's really inspiring. I think it's really it's really different and new compared to to other LGBTQ travel companies that that can say we're very inclusive, but, and I don't want to speak for any other, company, but like for VACAYA really does go out of their way to create these spaces and bring these people on. And it's less like, you're welcome to be here. It's more it's more like we're bringing you along and and how do we make it the best experience possible for everybody? Yeah. I'm just the majority. Yeah. I hope it's clear. Like what you want to know if, if something can be improved. We want to do that. Yeah. So I hope that comes off too. It's like and I tell us how to make it better for you. And I think it does. You know and I'm a gay cis man. So like I always you know, it's very easy for me to feel included. I know there's in, in most LGBTQ spaces, but, I've spoken to a lot of people who identify in different ways on, on the multiple VACAYA trips that I've been on. And they all just, like, gush about how they feel included. And it's, you know, un unprompted by me. I'm just having these conversations and they they feel so welcome and they're so happy to be there. And, and there's I don't know, it's just a welcoming atmosphere that I think everybody can step into and step into it together. And sometimes on that ship, like even people who you may or may not hang out with outside of the ship, like, it's almost like this little world is created where, like, it's a little utopia. Yeah. And I will say, like the kindest people you will ever meet are on, a VACAYA from all over to. Yeah, yeah, even people who are probably bitchy in my life. Like, somehow they tap into the best of what they have. Yeah, we can turn it down a little bit maybe. Yeah. Because the atmosphere doesn't really lend itself to that. You know. That's a good point. So it like, it just it wouldn't work. Like you act a little bitchy and people would be like this is not the space for that. Like may be like, okay, oh my gosh. but you know something. So heres a snickers. Yeah. Out of all the things that I love about a VACAYA vacation, the kind of kindness and openness of the guests that a VACAYA has been able to somehow curate, I don't know how that works. It's like this weird magic formula that they've somehow figured out how to do, has worked. And it's it is pretty magical. But I think, you know, just a shout out to Mama Johanna. She does a great job of making sure that the the team that is brought on to these trips is as inclusive and as diverse as we want the whole vacation to feel like. It starts with you, you know? And that's why I think, like sometimes you hear about, like, rainbow washing for certain companies and whatnot. But it's like at the root of it, if if the goal is to be an inclusive space, then it has to be represented through in the company so that your guests then feel included and welcomed, and then that hopefully trickles down to the guests mindset, because it's also a lot of like I would imagine if if I was 60 years old and I have been through the experiences I've been through, having special segregated spaces to feel safe is important. Yeah. So having to kind of unlearn that, to welcome our lesbian or our trans or our non-binary guests is a little bit of an adjustment. And through the course of like the five, six years that, you know, VACAYA has been around and the guests that we've had return and over and over again, like seeing that even just the acknowledgment of pronouns and like having the pronoun pins and all of that is like, it's so like a well, yeah, of course, like said, instead of it being like, well, what does this mean? Yeah. You know, and that takes time. If you're from somewhere that's like in the middle of the country, that this is not your normal everyday thing, even though you're still a part of the community. Like it, it just takes time. And it's fortunate that I feel like we really have a wonderful group of guests who, like, want to keep evolving and want to keep learning and want to help. Yeah, it's nice to be, on trips and vacations and like, interact with people that I don't normally would interact with. Being a gay man in Hell's Kitchen, New York. You know, because our worlds do tend to be so insulated, right? Yeah. That's a great point. You're mentioning vacations. It got me thinking. Is there a spot or any locations where you have yet to travel to that you really have on your bucket destinations kind of list? Yes and yes and yes. And so, yeah, never ending, I mean, there's places that I. Okay, places that I've not been to that I really want to. Columbia is at the top of the list. Antarctica is at the top of the list. Yeah. So Antarctica, let's let's talk about it. How amazing to go to Antarctica. This, like, extravagant expedition place that's like. Wow. And to be able to do it with an all LGBTQ charter. Like. That's insane. Yeah. Blow My mind. Yeah. You know, like, yes. You're already like, it's already such a, a remote kind of dream thought. And then to do with people that under have a better understanding of you. Yeah. You don't have to like worry about exactly like it would probably be fine. But you know being on a non LGBTQ like excursion out of Antarctica like have I'm like, oh my god, penguins are gay. Like what? What's like Susie Ann from Wisconsin going to say to that. Probably nothing because Suzanne I think is actually, a kind person inside. but you know, but also you don't want to have to second guess it's claiming penguins are gay, which has got to be the title of this episode. Penguins are gay. To be able to be like, with seals and otters during the day, and then go back to the ship and be with seals and otters at night yeah, yeah. okay, so we've got Antarctica. We've got you've talked about Spain a little bit. That's one of your favorite places. It feels very safe. Are there any other kind of dream locations that. So my first like kind of like big crazy trip was to Australia when I was I was maybe like 23, 24 or 25 somewhere in there. And I went for a month. So Australia has always held a really special place in my heart. And I have and like I literally as an adult man cried when the plane took off. Like I was so sad to leave. Yeah. Wow. I mean, I'd fallen in love like 82,000 times already, you know, and people were so friendly. It was like one of the the warmest, friendliest group of people that I've ever encountered traveling. And I. And it's now been like, you know, 20 years and I've not been back. So that continues to be on my bucket list to get back to. Wow, you're like, take me back, take me outback. Oh yes. That's right. That's that's something happened to your mic sure, sure, sure. Australian accent. And you are. Are you going. You all are doing a VACAYA is doing a gold Coast. Gross. Oh well there's that pretty good. I think it's pretty good. Maybe it's a tequila I don't know, I feel like it's kind of in. Sure. Would I be Australian? I think you, I mean, you could, you could play the role of us. Yeah for sure. You there's a Nicole Kidman quality to you here. Yeah. Yeah. You a little more this place for magic. Yeah well I haven't. Yeah. Yeah. But you know what? She looks good. She looks amazing. Nicole, I love you. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. Thank you. Truly like. And it's always such a joy to get to experience you, tell the kids where they can find you. It's@travelingIQ, the American spelling. So with one L, TravelingIQ. And my website is travelingiq.com, which I, I do primarily at this point, right. For as a freelance writer for other publications. But I always post my stuff through that as well, so you can keep up with me that way. Yeah, I think it's a great tool and resource for people who are curious. We're not only not even just people who are LGBTQ, but anybody that is interested in, you know, even if they're a well-traveled person or they're interested in the idea of traveling like, yeah, you're a great resource and a great person. Thank you. Always. So, accessible and feels welcoming and warm. So not to just put you out there to invite anybody to to reach out to you, but please reach out. I'm welcoming and warm. You got that? If you want to learn more about Ivan and the articles he's written for us, you can check out the description below. And what I love about Ivan is I. He perfectly encompasses what VACAYA spirit is, and he does a great job of translating that in his writing. And readers really get a sense of what VACAYA is and who Ivan is, and that's such a special skill. Well, cheers. Episode three and done. That's it for our episode today. Thank you for tuning into VTV. You can find us on YouTube for our full episodes, or stream our audio on Spotify and Apple Music. And you can always find clips of today's episode on our social media@myvacaya, on Instagram and TikTok. And you can always send us messages with questions topics that you'd like us to discuss. We are open, baby. We are open and ready for you. Cheers to being open and ready and fiber.